The next leg of our “Brisbane to Sydney Road Trip – Sydney Northern Beaches” started once we left the Central Coast. We drove straight from there to Manly where we stayed for 2 nights. We had awesome accommodation right on Manly beach at Novotel. After checking in we got some lunch and went for a lovely walk along the esplanade. The sky was looking good with high, light, whispy clouds so after our stroll we headed up to Narrabeen Ocean Pool. This is a spot I have always wanted to photograph. Narrabeen is such a beautiful spot and we were seriously considering moving we loved the area that much!

Narrabeen Ocean Pool
Narrabeen Ocean Pool

After sunset we stopped at Cur Curl on the way back to check out a spot for sunrise and called it an early night again because the long days were starting to catch up with us. Next morning we were up early again to capture the sunrise at Curl Curl. The sunrise was beautiful and the Ocean Pool that I was photographing was a really nice one and there were lots of vantage points to use. We were the only ones there which I was surprised about because every other spot so far had been really busy with photographers.

Curl Curl Ocean Pool
Curl Curl Ocean Pool

After breakfast we headed up to Palm Beach which is where they film Home and Away or otherwise known as Summer Bay. We did the big walk up to Barrenjoey lighthouse where there were gorgeous views over the bay and the ocean. You could see all the way to the central coast it was such a beautiful clear day. After our big hike we headed back to the hotel for some rest and relaxation before heading into the city on the ferry. Once we got off the ferry it was a huge walk through the Botanic Gardens around to Mrs Macquaries Point to set up for sunset. Its obviously a very popular spot because there were about 40 other photographers there and Im so glad we went to this particular spot for sunset because it was a cracker. The sky went a crazy bright yellow then turned into the brightest of bright pinks. It lasted a good half an hour!

Crazy sunset over Sydney Harbour
Crazy sunset over Sydney Harbour

After all but the last hint of colour had faded we had another huge walk back to the ferry terminal as the Botanic Gardens were closed so we ended up walking all the way through the city. I was also looking for another vantage point of the Harbour Bridge that I was keen to photograph at night but couldn’t seem to find it and I was absolutely exhausted after our huge day so we stopped at the Glenmore Hotel for dinner before catching the ferry back to Manly and hitting the hay! Next day we were up at 5am again to photograph the sunset at Turrimetta beach but it was a bust. I couldn’t find the right composition and the sunrise was just blah! So we headed back to Manly for breakfast and I have to say I think it was the best breakfast I have ever had. If you live in or are ever visiting Manly check out Hemminways which is on the esplanade. The food was amazing!

After breakfast we checked out of the Novotel and headed for Bondi for the next 2 days! You can read Part 4 of our Brisbane to Sydney Road Trip here!

Have you enjoyed reading this content? Are there any areas that I missed photographing and need to go back and do? I would love to know so leave a comment below! 🙂

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